Importance of Lead Roof Flashing
November 18, 2018In general, roof flashing is an important factor that provides a long-lasting roof structure that’s also watertight. Of course, it’s necessary to install it appropriately in order to rip all the benefits. There are several types of roof flashing, but lead roof flashing is one of the best choices you can make.
What is exactly roof flashing?
In case of a weak spot in the roof, flashing is there to protect it. Otherwise, the roof could become susceptible to flooding. In most cases, flashing is installed along the walls and edges, as well as protrusions, for example, chimneys. There are several types of materials used for flashing, including copper, lead, aluminum, rubber or steel.
How flashing works
Roof gutter with the drainpipe, the corner of the wooden house, in Thailand.
Flashing creates a water membrane which is used to collect water that seeps through and transports it back from the roof. This way, the risk of getting leaks in your home is significantly reduced, as well as the danger of too much moisture, which can lead to the occurrence of mold. The insects are also prevented from getting in by the membrane. Also, flashing can be highly aesthetical, making the edges of the roof looking polished. Lastly, in case you have a flat roof, there is the danger of water pooling on the roof, so flashing serves as the most important defense for preventing water from seeping through.
Benefits of lead roof flashing
The problem is that many homeowners don’t exactly know why lead is better than other materials that can be used for flashing. And the truth is there are several advantages of using lead flashing. Also, these benefits refer to domestic and commercial use, as well as the industrial one.
- Longer durability – lead is known to be more durable than almost any other material that people use. It can even last up to 3 times longer than the majority of other materials. In other words, its durability allows you to have less frequent repairs, restoration and maintenance costs. And will be a long time till it starts to tear.
- Environmentally friendly – developed countries are trying to be eco-friendly in any way possible. In Australia, it is very important to have a low environmental footprint, so it means that choosing lead flashings in Sydney and other cities is much more frequent than choosing other roof flashing materials. The reason behind thisis that lead is 100% recycled and its carbon footprint is lower than any other hard material.
- The economical choice – if you’re planning to install material for a longer period of time, it’s a proven statics that lead is far more economical than its alternatives. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning on building a commercial building or a home – lead will save you a lot of money.
- Flexible material – due to its flexibility, lead is great for tricky corners. It is also possible to mold it and shape it just how you need it. So, it will give you much less headache than other materials usually used for flashing. There is no shape you can’t mold the lead in as you can easily work with itand you won’t split it or crack it.
- A fashionable choice – if you think lead is an old-fashioned material whose time has passed, you are so wrong! Actually, lead is frequently used when restoring roofs in historic projects all over the world. Moreover, more and more architects are using lead in their modern designs. The reason is clear – it is durable and it looks attractive. No reason why your roof can’t be as modern!
Installing roof flashing
Man working on roof Metal cheese in site construction
It is absolutely necessary to properly install a roof flashing. Otherwise, it won’t matter how much money you spent on it or how good it looks – the rainwater will find its way through the roof and cause various types of damage, such as damp and leaks and it could even destroy the ceiling if you don’t react timely.
In case it’s a new house or it’s a new roof being built, it’s usual to fit the flashing before placing the tiles. This is because it will make your job easier in case the flashing gets damaged and needs to be repaired – you will need to remove only a couple of tiles on each side to replace the flashing. In short, it’s a simple removal.
In case you’re installing chimney stack flashing, there will probably be two pieces on each side. You should fit the lower piece right under the tiles, while the top piece should be placed into a groove between the brickwork. Next, you should slowly push down the flashing to cover the bottom.
Final words
You have probably started considering lead roof flashing by now. And you should – it will be one of your smartest investments you will ever make regarding your home or business property for so many reasons.
About Author:
Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home improvement, design and style. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.